PhD Research Assistant in Geotechnics at Helmut Schmidt University
The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering at Helmut Schmidt University / University of the Bundeswehr Hamburg is advertising a
scientific staff position in geotechnics
within the Professorship for Geotechnics. The role is associated with a
DFG-funded third-party research project
on the vertical bearing capacity of open profiles in cohesive soils, with particular attention to possible soil plug formation.
The position is a
3-year fixed-term appointment
at
TVöD E13
, with
39 hours per week
. It is a research-focused post in a strong geotechnical environment, where the professorship's main areas include
numerical and experimental geotechnics
, boundary value problems with large deformations, soil mechanics, ground dynamics, digitalization in geotechnics, and construction methods in geotechnics.
Core research tasks include the planning, implementation, and evaluation of
large-scale field tests
to study soil plug formation at full scale, the development and execution of
laboratory experiments
to quantify plug bearing capacity in cohesive soils, and
numerical simulations
of pile installation in cohesive soils considering pore water and installation method. The research outcomes are to be translated into practical recommendations and calculation approaches, and the successful candidate is expected to present findings at national and international conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
The advertisement explicitly notes the possibility of
scientific qualification
, including
doctoral work or habilitation
. In addition, the role includes general administrative duties and academic service tasks within university self-governance. This makes the position suitable for a candidate seeking a research-intensive academic career in geotechnical engineering with a blend of experiment, simulation, and practical application.
Applicants should hold a successfully completed university degree (Diplom or Master) in an engineering discipline, especially
civil engineering, computational engineering, computer science, geophysics
, or a related field. Preferred qualifications include
German and English language skills at least at B2 level
, knowledge of
numerical modelling
and/or
measurement techniques
, manual dexterity, interest in laboratory and in-situ practical work, and a strong commitment to academic research.
Applications must be submitted
electronically as a PDF
with the reference number
BIW-0726
. The application deadline is
2026-08-30
. The contact person for technical questions is
Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Henke
at Helmut Schmidt University, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering, Professorship for Geotechnics.
Helmut Schmidt University is located in
Hamburg, Germany
. The post includes standard public-sector employment benefits such as annual special payment, occupational pension, flexible working hours, job ticket support, family-friendly options, and development opportunities.